Key Questions to Ask a Prospective Childcare Provider
- What is your policy regarding sick children?
- Do I have to pay for days when my child is absent due to illness, holidays or unforseen circumstances?
- What is your discipline policy?
- What type of meals and snacks do you serve?
- Does your centre charge extra if I arrive late to pick-up my child?
- Do you have a sun smart policy?
- What is your overall childcare philosophy?
- What are your security/safety policies?
- Can I observe/visit my child whilst in care?
- Do you have the facilities to provide for children with special needs?
1. What is your policy regarding sick children?
Each childcare provider has a different policy regarding sick children. It is important to ask providers what actions should be taken when children are sick. In particular, you should enquire as to whether a child will be sent home if they develop cold symptoms or a fever, or whether the centre allows sick children to remain in care, which could potentially expose other children to infection.
2. Do I have to pay for days when my child is absent due to illness, holidays or unforseen circumstances?
If your child cannot attend childcare due to illness, holidays or unforseen circumstances, it is usually a requirement to still pay for childcare as the centre needs to cover its overhead costs.
If your child is absent for 42 days during a financial year, you can receive the Childcare Benefit (CCB). Absence could be for any reason and will not require proof.
Should your child be absent for more than 42 days, you may be entitled to receive the CCB but for specific reasons only. There is no limit on the number of days a child can be absent above the 42 days, however it may be necessary to provide documentation to support the absence. Please refer to fact sheet nine.
Another option to recover childcare costs when your child is absent due
to illness or injury is through Kids
Cover Insurance. Kids Cover absorbs the financial burden faced by
parents when their children are unable to attend childcare due to sickness
or injury. For further information visit contact the Account Executive for
Kids Cover: (07) 3237 8636
3. What is your discipline policy?
Discipline is a delicate topic for parents. It is essential that you thoroughly understand what discipline approach is used in your chosen childcare facility and ensure that you are comfortable with the policy. Childcare centres have written guidelines or policies available to review. These guidelines will help you understand the centre’s discipline policy, including which practices are prohibited. It is important that you raise any concerns with the director of the facility.
4. What type of meals and snacks do you serve?
Childcare providers aim to provide healthy meals. Schools and pre-schools are encouraged by the Department of Education and Children’s Services to follow the Healthy Eating Guidelines.
Some providers cook meals daily on site, however meals cannot be tailored to individual children’s tastes (unless parents bring the food). However, if your child has any food allergies, it is important that you make the provider aware of these. You may also want to ask providers about food preparation, menus and what treats are given to children.
Childcare centres (pre-school) can be awarded a Start Right Eat Right (SRER) Award by the government of South Australia if they provide nutritious meals.
In order to qualify for the award, the childcare centre must satisfy the following criteria:
-
Provision
of a nutritionally adequate menu that includes at least 50% of a child’s
daily nutritional requirements - All staff must be trained in food hygiene and food hygiene practices
- Provision of a supportive eating environment for children.
Centres that have been awarded a Start Right Eat Right award may display the logo inside or outside their centre.
5. Does your centre charge extra if I arrive late to pick-up my child?
Some providers charge a fee for children who are picked-up after closing hours. If you think or know you are going to be late picking-up your child, you should inform the centre as a courtesy. Please ask providers for further information.
6. Do you have a sun smart policy?
Most childcare providers have a sun smart policy when children are outside. Generally providers will only allow children to play outside if they wear a hat and sunscreen. Sunscreen is usually provided by the centre. Please ask individual providers about their sun smart policy. The guidelines for service providers are available from Cancer Council.
7. What is your overall childcare philosophy?
It is important to enquire about a childcare facility’s philosophy regarding the nurturing of quality care and their academic teachings. It is important to ask how providers train children and how they determine what is “age appropriate”.
You should also enquire as to whether the provider has a schedule of activities or if there is a choice of activities for the children.
8. What are your security/safety policies?
Looking at the childcare facility’s environment is important to determine the cleanliness, comfort and overall safety of the centre. It is important to ensure your children are secure. Ask the provider questions about the supervision ratio, security check-in and out, ventilation (air-conditioning and heating), sanitation of toys, installation and safety of outdoor play equipment, and whether there are any camera monitors.
9. Can I observe/visit my child whilst in care?
It is important that you feel welcome at your chosen provider. Ask the provider if you are allowed to observe and visit your child during the day, or whether there are set visiting times. Some providers may limit access so that the learning time is not disrupted, while others may be happy for parents to interact at any time.
10. Do you have the facilities to provide for children with special needs?
Each centre has a different capacity to look after children with special needs. Contact the provider to find out further information and to discuss your child’s individual requirements.